2014 July - Kokoda Trek Report - Daniel Hogarth

“People don’t take trips, trips take people”- John SteinbeckThis quote rings true when people choose to walk the Kokoda Track, this particular trip more so than ever. With 13 people from all walks of life and combinations including: the city & country, mother & daughter, brother & sister, brother & brother, brother in laws, husband & wife and great mates who ranged from mid 20’s to almost 60. This trip took the group to all sorts of places. Places of absolute joy, wonder and amazement, as well as places of hardship, sweat, and tears. The sweat started on day 1 when we hit the first hill into Deniki. A hill that occasions you and brings you to the realisation that this journey is going to take you to many amazing places. Sitting back that night atop of the picturesque Yodda Valley watching the clouds roll in below us, all marveled at the beauty, yet begin to also question themselves and weather they can make it. That night the light of fireflies calms the group and sends all off to sleep. Day 2 takes the group to tears and the waterworks start to flow at Isurava memorial. All really beginning to marvel at how amazing the diggers really were! All are also beginning to enjoy the undulating trek through the pristine jungle, and really starting to bond. A surprise for all that night when Brett & Bronwyn (husband & wife) surprised us all with a bottle of Penfold’s Grandfather Rare Tawny Port. Aged for around 20 years, this fortified wine is usually enjoyed in 5 star restaurants and country clubs. It was only fitting that we should enjoy this at on the Kokoda Track at Alola. Day 3 sees the group continue to gel further as we pass over the Eora Creek Bridge and Japanese Mountain Gun Site. The questions of each other and discussions amongst the group have no barriers now and all seem comfortable to go to almost any place, especially with one game of ‘Would you rather?’ The group makes slightly slower time than usual and we stay in Templetons 2 for the night. As had become the norm for the trip, somebody brought a small bottle of spirits to mix with a coke or cup of tea?? (when soft drink was in shortage). An earlier start than usual to Day 4 to make up ground lost, took no enthusiasm away from the group that was excited to walk in to No Roads heartland, Kagi Village. Enthusiasm grew further as we passed Mt Bellamy- the highest point on the track. A side trip to Myola and the B-25 Bomber site added more km’s but so much more understanding of the war to the trekkers on the trip. The traditional welcome to Kagi was complemented by a practical joke welcome where I persuaded the porters to dress up in jungle dress and jump out of the bush and scare the living daylights out of the blokes on the trip. The women sat back, watched, filmed and laughed. The people of Kagi welcomed all trekkers with open arms and they sang, danced and even read stories to the locals. It was great to see grown men and women (particularly the masculine men) singing “My name is….. and I love the Lord” If only I had of recorded it. Day 5 saw the group meet two Fuzzy Wuzzies from Kagi and Menari, all of the group were truly in awe of the both of them. The group took strength from them as they trekked in the blistering heat and humidity through Efogi (x2), up to Brigade Hill and down to the creek for a swim (and to chill the coke cans in preparation for the last of the spirits) then on to Menari for the night. A steep start to day 6 quickly shot the group into action as they climbed up out of Menari and then down into the swamps. A refreshing splash in Brown River and then another steep up to Nauro saw in a relatively short day. Yet some of the guys in the group were not content on resting found a local villager to help and began to dig and seed his entire crop for him. Great work guys! Day 7 was a tough day and all could see why a good rest at Nauro the day before was warranted. As big as the day was, the group now had their rhythm and pushed through the days trekking. A tired, yet satisfied group all relaxed in the tranquil water of Ua-Ule Creek on our last night on the track. The final day saw the group awake with anticipation and excitement in the air. In case anybody was thinking the last day would be easy, Imita Ridge popped up in front of the group to provide a big challenge. As the end grew near emotions ranged between excitement and sadness for the journey to end. So as the group crossed the line and peoples emotions flowed along with the beers, all sat back and remembered the great sights, walking with high flyers, who soared to Kokoda Track heights. Well done Ruth, Luke, Brett, Bronwyn, Matt, H, Ducky, Bakes, Kaz, Rory, Daz, Jo and Kate. Highlights of the trip included:

Jo- the amazing 59 year old inspirational woman who completed one of her goals to walk the Kokoda Track

Having a yoga track every night. Bronwyn (a trekker and yoga instructor) conducted a yoga class on the track every night. Even the porters joined in-No Roads to Health would be excited with this step forward- Thanks Bron!

The Kagi welcome

The other Kagi welcome (practical joke)

Eora Creek Bridge

The memorial services at Isurava and Brigade Hill

Drinking Penfolds Grandfather Rare Tawny Port on the Kokoda Track

The banter, jokes and silly conversations along the way.

Meeting two Fuzzy Wuzzies

Trekking with a truly remarkable group of people.

“The Kokoda Track is more than just a walk, it's an adventure, a challenge, it's part of Australia's history, an immersion in culture, and a place to push your limits to explore your potential”